Common Necklace Lengths and Their Names

When designing a necklace or pendant, consider that the length will determine where it will lie on the chest. Remember that longer lengths accentuate the bust while shorter lengths feature the beautiful lines of her neck.

How Many Beads do You Need? Check out this Measuring Scale

Collar — 12/13 inches
Collars are usually made up of three or more strands and lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Very Victorian and luxurious, collars go best with elegant V-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder fashions.

Choker — 14/16 inches
A choker is perhaps the most classic and yet versatile of all the single strand lengths. A simple choker can go with virtually any outfit from casual to fancy evening wear, and just about any neckline imaginable.

This is a good necklace length for a child. This way the necklace has “growth room”.

Princess — 17/19 inchesThe princess length necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines. It also complements low plunging necklines.

Hint : it is a perfect support for a pendant.

Matinee — 20/24 inchesLonger than the choker, and just a bit shorter than an opera length, the matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business dressing.

Opera — 28/34 inchesThe opera necklace is the queen of all the lengths. When worn as a single strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two strand choker.

This is the most common length for a necklace.

Rope or Lariat — Over 45 inchesDripping with elegance and sensuously sexy, the pearl rope was a favorite of Coco Chanel.

Clasps placed in strategic locations around the necklace will enable you to break it down into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations.

For those looking for the complete wardrobe, this length is a must.

Lariats are at last 48 inches long, with the ends left unattached for knotting or wrapping around the neck.